LONDON: Graeme Wilson, deputy political editor at The Sun, has been hired as UK Prime Minister David Cameron's new press secretary.

Gabby Bertin is also returning to the prime minister's office as director of external relations.

Wilson joined the Rupert Murdoch-owned tabloid in 2007 and has covered politics for other newspapers since 1997.

He is replacing Susie Squire, who is leaving to join her husband in South Africa.

Squire has been in the role for less than a year, having taken over when Cameron's longstanding press secretary, Gabby Bertin, went on maternity leave in November.

Bertin is set to return as director of external relations this fall. She started working as Cameron's press secretary in 2007 and retained the role when he entered government.

David Wooding, associate political editor of The Sun, said Wilson will be an asset because of his “great news judgment.”

“He is liked and respected by all the journalists, and people will trust him because he is plain-speaking and honest and straight as they come,” he said.

Wooding added that the hire will help the Downing Street operation as it “changed emphasis” before national elections.

“Everything is going to start being geared in that direction, with new ideas for the onslaught on the other parties required,” he added. “Having someone new, and someone who knows a great story and how to present it, to take on that emphasis will be good for them.”